ST. ANN, Mo. (KSDK) - The St. Ann Police Department is asking people with mental or physical challenges to sign a registry.

They say it will help officers do their jobs better.

The sign-up is happening right now in St. Ann.

The chief says a few years ago, officers in Ohio shot and killed a suspect who was autistic. He wants his officers to undergo special training to know the proper way to help those with special needs when they encounter a similar situation

"Our officers are prepared and already thinking in their minds, with whatever disabilities that they have while going and assisting them on whatever kind of call that they received from that residence," said Det. Lt. Aaron Jimenez.

"If the police came around and there was a situation going on, we would be able to tell them, this neighbor has such-and-such wrong with their lifestyle," said resident Evelyn Fox.

The Missouri Department of Mental Health has signed off on this project.

If you live in St. Ann, you can sign-up until 9 p.m. on the back of the City Hall parking lot.